On completion of the transit of the Dardanelles, we found a cosy anchorage on the South West coast of the Sea of Marmara. There we were forced to observe a beautiful sunset in a tranquil silver sea and a glass or two of wine was required to toast Turkish hospitality. The ladies and Ben the Cadet excelled themselves by showing us all how to pick up a cigarette packet in their mouths from the deck without using arms or over balancing.
This morning we awoke to a westerley force seven, and to watch the permanent crew search, as part of a security exercise, for a mysterious package deliberately planted by a member of the voyage crew. After lunch we sailed off the anchor and headed east. You will want to know that we will be anchoring again tonight at Dogamlar (a well known Blackpool) on Kapidag Yarimadasi. This will prepare us for our onward movement towards Istanbul for the parade of sail in the Bosporous. After that, the second leg of the race will start on Tuesday evening to Varna, Bulgaria.
Robin, Fwd Stbd